Microsoft Makes AI Moves in Montreal

Anyone looking to move to Canada after January 20 may want to take a look at Montreal. Yes, it has beautiful scenery, a lot to do, and is populated by our friendly Canadian neighbors, but it’s also quickly becoming one of the biggest AI powerhouses in the world. This evolution is largely thanks to Microsoft and the many investments it’s made recently in Montreal’s AI future.

Early in January, Microsoft acquired Canadian startup Maluuba, which focuses on general artificial intelligence, and is moving it to Montreal. According to a recent article, “Maluuba focuses on natural language processing, in service of pursuing general artificial intelligence, or building computers that can think like people.” It does this through deep learning and reinforcement learning with the hopes of increasing the proficiency and effectiveness of computer-based systems. The goal is to eventually have AI answer questions, make decisions, understand natural language and so on, just like a human would.

Now, Microsoft is investing even further in Montreal’s AI future. The tech giant announced on Wednesday that it will be expanding its research and design office in Montreal; it hopes to double the size of the office over the next two years. According to another post, Microsoft will also be investing in Montreal’s academic community by giving $6 million in funding “gifts” to the University of Montreal. Additionally, Microsoft will also donate $1 million to McGill University’s research efforts, which is to be used over the next five years.

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The Intelligent Community Forum is a global network with a think tank at its center. It connects hundreds of cities and regions on five continents for collaboration on economic development and for exchange of expertise and information that drives progress. Through this network, ICF researches how Intelligent Communities use information and communications technology to build inclusive prosperity, solve social problems and enrich their quality of life in our connected century.